Jared Goff has become one of the most important players in the Lions' recent resurgence. Since arriving in Detroit, he has helped turn the franchise into a consistent contender while producing some of the best football of his career. That success also came during his three-season partnership with Ben Johnson.

Johnson is now in Chicago, where a quarterback injury recently forced him into an unexpected adjustment. Caleb Williams' injury led to veteran Case Keenum stepping in. When Johnson was asked what it was like calling plays for a quarterback who isn't as mobile as Williams, he couldn't resist a sly reference to his former Lions quarterback.

“I've got a little history with that...of calling plays for someone not so mobile.”

The grin behind the comment made the reference difficult to miss. Johnson spent years designing an offense around Goff, whose game has always centered on pocket passing rather than creating plays with his legs. That experience clearly gave Johnson plenty of material for the playful remark.

Jared Goff Has Been Outstanding During His Lions Tenure

Goff's production in Detroit has been remarkable. He threw for 4,438 yards in 2022, followed by 4,575 in 2023 and 4,629 with 37 touchdowns in 2024. He then posted 4,564 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2025.

His 2026 campaign has been just as impressive. Through three games, Goff has thrown for 802 yards, eight touchdowns, and zero interceptions while completing 70.6% of his passes.

That production explains why Goff remains so important to Detroit. His mobility may be limited, but his pocket passing has never stopped him from thriving with the Lions.

Written by

Joseph Nithin